Manage occupational
health risks

OUR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAMME AIMS TO PREVENT ILLNESSES AND PROACTIVELY MANAGE IDENTIFIED HEALTH CONDITIONS.

Qualitative and quantitative health risk assessments and monitoring have improved our understanding of the prevalent health risks in our workplaces and enabled us to identify the leading health indicators to proactively manage these risks.

Occupational health programme

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAMME
OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE PROGRAMME				OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE PROGRAMME
Identifies and manages workplace health hazards and covers aspects, such as monitoring, engineering controls, training and awareness programmes and personal protective equipment.				Focuses on early disease detection and management to prevent further deterioration.

Noise-induced hearing loss

Two employees working in the South African mining operations were diagnosed and compensated for noise-induced hearing loss (FY2018: 12). Both cases were submitted in 2017 but only received compensation by the commissioner in this reporting period.

Medical surveillance examinations enabled us to proactively identify 58 employees at an early stage of noise-induced hearing loss in South Africa. These cases are being closely managed.

Silicosis

For the first time in our history, three silicosis cases were identified, with all three occurring in the mining business in South Africa. Our investigations indicate that these cases are most likely due to employees’ historical exposure to silica borne ore at various operations during their careers. The cases have been reported and the affected employees given access to health care and applicable benefits.

Exposure to airborne pollutants and vibrations

Airborne pollutants prevalent at our operations include dust, welding fumes and diesel particulate matter. Risk assessments and monitoring indicate a low to medium level of risk. Exposure is closely monitored through the Occupational Hygiene programme and concentration levels have remained within legally allowable limits.

Ergonomics

Workplace medical examinations screen for musculoskeletal symptoms and issues. Employees receive training on ergonomic hazards, which are prevalent at all our operations.

Fatigue management

A total of 134 employees in South Africa were identified as being at high risk of fatigue. They were provided with personal counselling and assistance through the Employee Assistance programme. Shift work, working in extreme temperatures, medical conditions and travelling long distances are some of the factors that give rise to fatigue-related risks. Fatigue assessments are also included in the incident investigation procedure.

Thermal stress

Our geographic footprint and the nature of some of our businesses expose certain employees to thermal stress, particularly in areas of extreme temperatures. Our control measures include awareness initiatives, training, the correct personal protective clothing, acclimatisation procedures and access to drinking water. No thermal stress-related occupational illnesses were recorded for FY2019.

TOTAL CASES OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES AND OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE FREQUENCY RATE (per million hours worked)